IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL AND CONSUME THIS CHEESE DUE TO HEALTH RISKS. Casu marzu is a controversial Italian sheep’s milk cheese originating from Sardinia. The cheese is derived from the Pecorino family of cheeses and has a soft-ripened texture with a natural rind.

In English, casu marzu means rotten cheese, referring to live insect larvae (maggots) which can be found in it. After the fermentation process, larvae are introduced to the cheese, promoting decomposition and breaking down the cheese’s fats. 

Traditionally produced in the Sicilian province of Enna which is nestled in the lush Dittaino Valley, Piacentinu Ennese is a pressed, hard cheese made with raw, whole sheep’s milk, with the addition of saffron and black peppercorns.

The flavor of this cheese ranges from mild and slightly sweet to medium piquant and slightly pungent, depending on its age, and it has a pronounced aroma of saffron. Piacentinu Ennese is enjoyed either as a table cheese or used as an ingredient in preparing various recipes such as herb-stuffed lamb meat called Ciarbiduzzo Abbuttunàtu, a typical dish from Enna.

It's also fantastic for grilling and often used with bucatini pasta.

The origins of Quartirolo Lombardo date back to the 10th century when this rectangular, brine-washed cheese was known as Stracchino Quadro. Although nowadays available all-year-round, Quartirolo Lombardo was traditionally made during summer, using milk from cows grazing on quartirola - hence its name - the fourth and last hay harvest before winter, which is known to be the most fragrant one.

This soft table cheese is made with whole or semi-skimmed milk, and if ripened for more than 30 days, it is marketed as Maturo (matured). It has a slightly acidic flavor which becomes more pronounced as the cheese ripens. An essential ingredient in typical local dishes such as Quartirolo Lombardo mousse with truffle and honey sauce or quiche Lombarda, Quartirolo can also be enjoyed on its own, drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and paired with nuts, apples, or grapes.

Tyrolean grey cheese is a variety of sour cow's milk cheese, traditionally made on lush Austrian pastures from skimmed milk which was previously left to curdle for several days. This cheese is extremely low in fat, it has a thin crackled rind and a crumbly texture.

Named after the grey colored mold which emerges on the surface right after maturation, Tiroler Graukäse exudes a strong, pungent aroma. It is typically crumbled over buttered wholemeal bread, but it is also an essential ingredient in many traditional Tyrolean dishes such as nettle soup with Kaspressknödeln, a variety of cheese dumplings, or Zillertal donuts. 

Bastardo del Grappa is a traditional cheese made from cow’s milk from two milkings – one from the evening, and the other from the following morning. In the past, it was produced from mixed milk, hence the word bastardo in the name.

It is produced in the area of Monte Grappa in Veneto, hence the name. The cheese matures from 120 to 180 days and is characterized by its thick and rough rind, while small holes are scattered throughout its pale yellow interior. The flavor of Bastardo del Grappa is intense, pleasant, and never spicy. 

Branzi is an Italian cheese made from Bruna Alpina cows’ milk. The cows graze on herbs and grass growing in the small village of Branzi in Bergamo, hence the name of the cheese. Although it was produced only during summer in the past, nowadays it's made all year round.

It is typically aged for 4-6 months, during which it develops a compact texture and an intense flavor with hints of grass and hay. Pair it with full-bodied red wines, honey, pears, and black rye bread, or place Branzi over a slice of piping hot polenta until it melts.

Accasciato is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and cow’s milk. It has a firm texture and a fresh aroma, while its flavor is best described as sweet. Although it can be consumed fresh, the cheese is typically matured anywhere from 40 to 60 days.

During the maturation period, it develops a soft, pale yellow rind. Accasciato is known as slumped cheese because it crumbles once it gets removed from the molds.

Trentingrana is an Italian Grana cheese hailing from Trento. The cheese is made from raw cow's milk and it ages for 22 months. The rind is thick and dark yellow in color, imprinted with the word Trentino on each wheel. The texture is hard, grainy, and compact, while the flavors are sweet, rich, and full.

The aftertaste is floral and delicate, with herbaceous and grassy hints. The cheese has been produced since 1926. It's recommended to eat it as it is or grate it over pasta. Trentingrana can also be used in salads and served with fresh fruit. Pair it with sparkling white wines or full-bodied red wines.

Another typical northern Italian delicacy produced throughout the Alpine valleys of Fassa and Fiemme, Puzzone di Moena, also known as Spretz Tzaorì, is a semi-cooked and semi-hard washed rind cheese made from raw cow's milk.

It is available either as Stagionato (matured) or Puzzone di Malga, a much sought-after variety made exclusively with milk from summer pastures. Puzzone di Moena is characterized by an intense aroma called puzza (lit. stink), and has a strong yet pleasantly salty flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste.